i tell you man........working in a 5 star drum shop gives me the chance to see and play ALL the new gear that's out. I gota' say that this year... Mapex has done something special. the orion and the saturn kits are out of control. I really dig the saturns. they sound unbelievable, and the finishes are beautiful as well. they are really turning that company around. if any of you are looking for a new kit.........diff. check them out as they are outstanding.

Mapex is OFF THE CHAIN! It's probably the meanest, Baddest drum company (that many are not that familiar with) happening! Their isolation systems are genius and the finishes are the most beautiful I've ever seen. The Orion Burl Maple with the Imperial Burst finish simply floors me!

i tell you man........working in a 5 star drum shop gives me the chance to see and play ALL the new gear that's out. I gota' say that this year... Mapex has done something special. the orion and the saturn kits are out of control. I really dig the saturns. they sound unbelievable, and the finishes are beautiful as well. they are really turning that company around. if any of you are looking for a new kit.........diff. check them out as they are outstanding.

Mapex also do Limited Edition Orion drum sets with hoop finishes to match the lugs. One of my drum tutors had a gorgeous Orion Custom with gold plated lugs and hoops, and one of my mates bought the LE Orion in Coffee Fade -- brown to orange to brown, with black chrome lugs and hoops. I borrowed it for my drum clinic! SWEET! And what's more, he got it on special offer for £1400, which is equivalent to about $2400.

In saying that, if I had enough money to buy a Mapex Orion I'd sooner get a DW shell pack or a small set up with hardware.

I always usta think that mapex was like pacific in a sense that they make high quality low end type drums, after playing there new kits i realized i was dead wrong they are amayzing and i wouldnt mind having one!